Paul Finebaum and Laura Rutledge Agree Nick Saban's Window is Closing

It's been two years since the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Nick Saban have hoisted college football's National Championship trophy. Many believe they'll find a way back to glory in the near future, but a couple of figureheads say it needs to happen sooner.

During an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum expressed his belief that Saban needs to win a title this year, because his championship window is closing.

Finebaum wasn't alone in his sentiment, as ESPN colleague Laura Rutledge said that Saban needs to win before the "hour glass" begins ticking.

"I would say he wants to win at least one more championship,” Rutledge said on Wednesday. "How can he do that and how quickly can he do that? To Paul’s point, this is one of his best teams he’s had in recent memory. A lot of that has to do with Najee Harris. I think you’ll see Alabama in this quest to win another national championship under Saban, get back to some of what they did before when they had a ton of success offensively before Tua.

“Running the ball a lot more. They ran it more with Mac Jones last season than Tua at the helm, about 53 percent more. I think you’ll see a more vintage Alabama team and maybe that leads to another championship this year.”

The upcoming season will be a challenge for Saban. The SEC is only getting tougher, with the likes of Florida and Tennessee rising up the rankings. Additionally, he'll have to return to his "run the ball at will" ways because he won't have explosive quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under center. Oh, and Saban turns 6 years old this October.

We know to never doubt the coaching abilities of Saban, but he needs to put on a clinic this year if he wants to add another championship to his trophy case.